Nocturnal emission, popularly known as nocturnal ejaculation or “wet dreams”, is the involuntary release of sperm during sleep, in the case of men, and vaginal secretions, in the case of women, which may or may not be accompanied by erotic dreams and, in the case of women, there may be no orgasm.
This situation is considered normal and common to occur in adolescence and young adults, especially when they do not have an active sexual life, but it can also happen to people of any age who have not had sexual intercourse for many days.
Due to the fact that it is a considered and common situation, it is not necessary to undergo treatment, however, to reduce the number of episodes of nocturnal emission, it may be advisable to have more frequent safe sexual relations, for example.
Nocturnal emission symptoms
The main symptoms of nocturnal emission are:
- Involuntary ejaculation, in the case of men, during sleep;
- Outflow of vaginal fluids, during sleep, by women;
- Erotic dreams may or may not be present;
- Female orgasm during or am;
- Waking up with the contraction of the ejaculate and the moisture of the semen, in the case of men;
- Waking up with wet underwear or bedding.
Furthermore, when nocturnal emission is frequent, sleep can be impaired and lead to excessive tiredness, low concentration during the day, lack of sexual appetite, increased urge to urinate, anxiety or even depression.
In these cases, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician, urologist or gynecologist, depending on your age, so that an evaluation can be carried out and whether there are any other associated diseases.
Possible causes
Nocturnal emission in adolescents or young adults is caused by very high levels of testosterone in the body, especially during puberty, which can cause physical excitement during the REM phase of sleep, when nervous activity is more intense, which can result in ejaculation. during sleep. Learn more about what happens in the REM phase of sleep.
Furthermore, high testosterone levels cause an increase in sperm production and, consequently, the need to release excess sperm from the body.
Nocturnal emission in men can also be caused by prolonged sexual abstinence, fatigue, erotic dreams, excessive tiredness, lack of physical activity, consumption of supplements that increase testosterone, tightness in the foreskin or even inflammation of the prostate.
Female nocturnal emission
Female nocturnal emission is uncommon and the causes are not yet well understood. However, it is possible that there is a release of vaginal fluids during sleep, with or without orgasm, and this may simply be a sign that there has been excitement, which may or may not have been accompanied by erotic dreams.
How the treatment is carried out
Generally, no specific treatment is indicated for nocturnal emission, as it is considered a normal situation. However, increased sexual activity, as well as masturbation, can help reduce the number of episodes.
Furthermore, in cases where nocturnal emission directly interferes with the person’s quality of life, it is important to consult a sexologist or psychologist so that these issues can be worked on and the number of emission episodes can be reduced.
Bibliography
- EMMERSON, L. Overcoming the ignorance of basic sex education. Nursing Children and Young People. 28. 3; 13-13, 2016
- MacLEHOSE, W. F. Captivating thoughts: nocturnal pollution, imagination and the sleeping mind in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Journal of Medieval History. 46. 1; 98-131, 2020
